Author: Fraser

How does Shakespeare present Macebeth’s deteriorating state of mind?

December 6, 2016 / / 0 Comments

Shakespeare presents Macbeth’s state of mind deteriorating throughout the course of the play and is especially highlighted in Macbeth’s famous soliloquy of Act 5 Scene 5. Shakespeare uses various language techniques and dramatic devices to achieve, the focus of this essay is to analyse and understand how Shakespeare presents Macbeth’s deteriorating state of mind. Macbeth’s vulnerable state of mind is first shown as being weak when he first sees the ghost of Banquo and continues on a steady decline, linking with his increased paranoia and bloody reign. Shakespeare is also using Macbeth as an example for the consequences of immoral actions at the expense of others and at the gain of yourself. Macbeth’s metaphor in Act 3 Scene 2 “I feel like my mind is full of scorpions” perfectly sums up his deteriorating mental state, possibly refering to the venom in a scorpions sting which would slowly eat away at his mind, shown by increased brutality throughout the play.

Shakespeare’s use of structure and especially the iambic pentameter reveals a large amount of information concerning Macbeth’s state of mind. During Macbeth’s soliloquy the use of the iambic pentameter varies and is not consistent, much likes Macbeth’s sanity, which is shown in one line “The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle” which does not have it while “There would have been a time for such a word” uses the Iambic pentameter. What this shows is Macbeth losing his rhythm which could be linked to Macbeth’s wavering sanity, drifting in and out shown in his soliloquy. This would also be noticeable on stage with the audience hearing the break in rhythm which would make the peace harder to perform, increasing the audible hints of Macbeth’s insanity.The iambic pentameter is also used to show high status so this could also be Shakespeare trying to signify his power and authority being lost as he continues his reign, filled with suspicion and paranoia.This could also link to Macbeth’s sudden realization of his wife’s death, inducing his despair, shown by the lessened use of the iambic pentameter. This would link to Shakespeare presenting the consequences of evil, with the title of King of Scotland being gained through treachery, thus his power is not of real means.

Another device Shakespeare uses is the metaphor which communicates a visual image in order for us to visualize Macbeth’speech as an image and allows us to see Macbeth’s deteriorating state of mind in a way which words alone cannot. First in the broader play in Act 2 Scene 3 Macbeth say’s the words “Renown and grace is dead” which that he is fully aware of his path but is powerless to stop after his descent into treachery. This could also be Shakespeare trying to show the consequences of evil becomes a spiral of evil with the person almost powerless to stop the inevitable decline.This fits well the analogy of the scorpion, the venom symbolizing the unstoppable decline with even Macbeth aware of his fate , deciding to follow through to full effect. An example of a metaphor from the soliloquy is “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player”. This could be Macbeth trying to say that life is just a passer-by, leaving no imprint on the earth and possibly him trying to justify his evil by passing life off as a meaningless event in the history. This is also an example of hypocrisy from Macbeth as he is trying in his utmost efforts to preserve his life, while comparing life to a shadow. This signify’s his despair as it is just more examples of him contradicting himself, which is showing his control spiraling out of control. Shakespeare is using this to give more proof of Macbeth’s despair and deteriorating state of mind.

One of the most complex devices Shakespeare uses in presenting the state of Macbeth’s mind is the use of suspending the suspension of disbelief especially during the soliloquy. The use of this is particularly odd at such a tense time in the play with Macbeth delivering his soliloquy following the death of his wife. The line “That struts and frets his hour upon the stage” is one which highlights this with the reference to the the stage, possibly referring to the play itself and if it is true, it would be Shakespeare using Macbeth to channel his view on life and the subjects in the play. He is viewing life as a brief moment in the large-scale history of time shown by “his hour upon the stage” with an hour in the limelight and nothing after. This also relates to Macbeth’s view of life which has become a more prominent factor of the play as it has progressed. The line could then be both Macbeth and Shakespeare’s views combining to fit the narrative but also to take the audience out of the action and try to comprehend what Shakespeare is trying to say. So, the use of the suspension of the suspension of disbelief is a excellent tool in furthering the image of ‘venom’ poisoning his mind and gives the soliloquy another aspect with Shakespeare speaking directly to the audience, combining to make a very powerful moment in the play.

Another device Shakespeare use’s is the paradox which are two contradicting statements which seemingly defy logic, but Shakespeare uses them to create conflict, not necessarily between characters but within their minds. A famous example of a paradox is when the witches are speaking to Macbeth and Banquo and address to both of them “Lesser than Macbeth, and greater “. This is one of the first examples of the witches implanting paranoia into Macbeth’s mind, which eventually leads to Banquo murder under the orders of Macbeth. It also could of been used by the witches to exploit Macbeth’s ambition

Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1: Is this a Dagger?(Homework)

November 2, 2016 / / 1 Comment

A metaphor in which shakepeare uses is “With Tarquin’s ravishing strides, towards his design” is very useful in examining Macbeths internal struggle as it shows his changing attitudes towards the murder of Duncan. ‘Tarquin’ was a early king of Rome, famous for the rape of Lucretia which is noted as being very stealthy, which shows notable comparisons with Macbeths attitude on the Murder of Duncan. He is viewing it less as a necessary evil to satisfy his ambition and more as an fantasised killing. It also shows how Macbeth is becoming more obsessive over the killing, giving it fantastical elements. This could also be used by Macbeth as a means of justifying the killing, creating a narrative around it which could distance himself from the real act.

Now and Then (Not Finished)

September 27, 2016 / / 0 Comments

The Hill. The morning passes, runners exhale on a seemingly constant basis. You smell the damp bark after the night of on off on off rain mixed with occasional thunder. A lone structure litters your vision, its silhouette enhanced by the rising figure of the sun. You start the descent, disaffected by the steep incline,filled with cautious optimism of the day to come. The smell becomes stronger. You blank out the other noises as you focus on yourself. Light covers the everything in its view like a spotlight in a watchman’s tower. You breath in the air as if it is of value, savoring it almost. Its almost as if the air is pure, unaltered by the contaminants of inner-city London.

As you reach the apex of the hill discover the building you saw in the distance was just a school, small by most standards and in a odd place, being on the top of a hill. You walk past an assortment of dogs, all barking as if a phantom squirrel had appeared and was running straight for them. Alongside the dogs were their owners, all with startled expressions on their faces as they hear the dogs barking in unison at seemingly invisible prey . You try to hide your laughter as the dogs all start running, leaving their owners with their leaches, all of them looking at each over as if a streaker had ran past and slapped them all. You decide to walk on against your greatest urge to stop watch the spectacle. You go on, now passing the collection of coffee shops filled with mums with buggies and wannabe-hipsters trying to have the start new fashion trends and have the most extravagant beards. You still smell the damp bark although in a more muted sense, less raw then earlier perhaps.

You reach the start of a short descent down the hill, relieved by its relatively gentle slope down and the lack of people. The wind reaches you again just briefly after you pass by an opening in the trees, blowing your hair in countless directions . You fell its cold touch, similar to when you leave the bathroom after a cold shower, the hairs standing up on the back of your neck. You walk on and reach the last few meters of the path, still with the cautious optimism you had at the start of your journey but dreading your return.

The Hill. You feel the a strand of sweat fall down the back of your neck, illuminated by the dim moonlight. You walk at a brisk pace, aware of what happens if you dawdle. The wind you felt in the morning was still there but much gentler like a coastal breeze of a Mediterranean town. It produces a faint whisper due to it brushing through the trees, much more prominent in the silence of the night. You feel eyes on you, disguised by the mist of darkness and add some pace to your walk, probably looking to an observer like a man who desperately needs to relieve himself.

You make it up to the collection of coffee shops, now fully closed shutters down and chairs inside but sense an air of human activity from the eerie silence, almost like someone is trying to be silent. You walk to the area where all the dogs escaped from their owners leashes, funny at the time but in the silence on isolation of the night you sense a seemingly supernatural air from the event. Why would the dogs run at nothing?, why all of them at once?. As you walk over the path you try to clear your mind, but the thought keeps niggling at you, combined with the feeling of another presence you almost break out into a run but have enough self control to contain yourself even. You hear the dim hum of the

Great expections quote analysis

June 23, 2016 / / 0 Comments

“You are part of my existence, part of myself”. This is part of Pips last speech to Estella and Mrs. Havisham to which he opens up and displays his true feelings infront of both of them. From the first time that Pip saw Estella to the day of the speech Pip always had Estellas shadow following him for which he judged his decisions around. With Pip finally opening up he breaks the facade and shows his feelings in full effect.

The way Pip uses “part of” in repetition allows him the emphasise Estella becoming part of him and his existence. While Pip doesn’t literally have Estella part of him he means it figuratively with living up to Estellas expectations his primary goal, affecting all those around him.

Great Expectations similie anlaysis

June 9, 2016 / / 0 Comments

The simile “I have been locked up as much as a silver tea kettle”. A silver tea kettle is rarely used and mostly for decorative purposes, therefore keeping it’s worth by being locked up. This is similar to Magwith as he is frequently loor cked up for various crimes. However Magwith is the polar opposite to a pristine silver tea kettle, being the dirty wretch as is described by Pip.

What can we infer about Jaggers based on the description of his servant?

May 19, 2016 / / 0 Comments

Jaggers servant is described as “women of about forty”,”extremely pale” and looked as though she had risen “out of the Witches’ caldron”. Later in the chapter, Jaggers humiliates the servant by showing all of his guests her scars which infers that Jaggers may of employed her due to her seemingly troubled past and odd nature so he could exert power over her. Her description is similar to that off a ghost or a fiend which reflects to an extent in her personality, being a very quiet person in the background, meant to not speak out of turn. Jaggers being to complete opposite and in his general personality means he could embarrass her for the enjoyment of his guest with little to no resistance. Jaggers seems to thrive on humiliating other people which is shown in the this chapter where he shows everyone the scars on her wrists and when he humiliates Mr Worsley earlier in the book.

The use of the simile “like the faces I had seen rise out of the Witches caldron” gives the idea of something unnatural or demonic coming from the caldron which is what Pip is trying to say about Jaggers servant which is in reference to Macbeth. Pip uses “lithe” which means very thin and nimble further adds to her ghost-like demeanor.

 

Chapter 21 summary Great expectations

May 13, 2016 / / 0 Comments

Pip speaks to Mr. Wemmick and after some conversation Pip sets of to his new residence of Bernards Inn. Pip then meets Herbert Pocket who is Matthew Pockets son and realises that Herbert is the pale young gentlemen who Pip fought with in the gardens of Satis House.

Chapter 20 summary Great Expectations

May 13, 2016 / / 0 Comments

Pip continues his journey to London, where he goes to Mr. Jaggers office in Little Britian. As Pip is waiting for Mr. Jaggers Pip walks round Smithfields which he calls a “shameful place”. While walking around he sees Newgate prison and sees a drunk Lord justice. Pip goes Pip back and forth and eventually sees Mr. Jaggers who gets acquainted with Pip again.

Pip and Mr. Jaggers meet up with some of Mr. Jaggers clients and then Pip meets Welwick who accustoms him to his surroundings.

Chapter 19 great expectations summary

May 12, 2016 / / 0 Comments

Chapter 19 starts with Pip waking up from the events of the previous chapter and him reflecting on the decision to accept the opportunity and leave for London. Pip speaks to Joe who wishes Pip luck in London and Pip says he won’t become someone else and not remember Joe. Pip then speaks to Biddy where he says that Joe will need some help if needed and she says that Pip is being rude to Joe and he is how he is. Pip then buys some clothes from Mr. Train and his son is being an annoyance to Pip. Pip leaves and meets with Mr. Pumblechook who has completely changed his view on Pip and is very friendly towards him unlike before.

Pip the decides to see Mrs. Havisham before he leaves for which he deep down believes is his anonymous benefactor. He tells him what happened and she acts completely unchanged and they exchange pleasantries and Pip leaves. The days 6 days pass, Pip says his goodbyes and then gets on the carriage. He the starts crying as he looks back on what he left behind and what is to come.